Third suspect in Jefferson City school bus shooting arrested

The third suspect in last week’s shooting which damaged a school bus full of students has been caught.

Craig Hawkins was caught in Springfield, and has been moved to the jail in Cole County. Jefferson City police officers, acting on tips Hawkins had fled to Springfield, got in touch with that city’s street crimes unit. Officers in that unit knew people with whom Hawkins regularly kept in touch with, and set up surveillance to try and catch Hawkins.

About two hours after that surveillance began, Hawkins saw police and tried to run, but was caught after a short chase. Hawkins has already been charged with assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. He is being held in jail with no bond.

Two others have been charged in the case as well. Royce Kemp, 20, and Jermaine Gray, 23, were arrested Thursday, the day after four bullets hit a school bus. Kemp and Gray have also been charged with assault, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. Kemp faces a drug possession charge as well.

Information from witnesses and others has led police in Jefferson City to confirm the school bus hit by gunfire was not the target. Rather, police say, the bus got caught in the crossfire between two groups. Police believe the target was a vehicle driven by an 18-year-old male,who was injured and taken to University Hospital in Columbia. The shooting may have stemmed from an argument between the groups, though the nature of that argument has not been determined.

Superintendent of Jefferson City Public Schools, Larry Linthacum told ABC 17 news that he is “relieved, and thankful for JCPD and the partnership we have with them. It was an unfortunate situation but you move forward… we are here to educate kids and not have to worry about that.”

Jefferson City police said there is increased presence in the area to give people peace of mind, but they don’t have any reason to believe the area will continue to be a danger.

They continue to ask anyone with information to come forward and they can remain anonymous.

The school bus was full of students when it was hit by four gunshots on Wednesday. It happened in the 500 block of East Elm Street.

Police say the driver quickly left the scene and headed to Family Dollar on Madison Street while giving information to 911 operators.

There were 21 students on board at the time, but they were not hurt.

Most of the children were picked up by their parents and the rest were transferred to another bus and taken home.

Jefferson City Public Schools spokesperson Amy Berendzen said their parents were contacted immediately following the shooting. Bus company First Student said it alerted the school and parents as well.